The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, joined by Chair of the London Assembly Andrew Boff AM, and Len Duvall OBE AM, Chair of the City Hall Branch of the Royal British Legion and Armed Forces

Champion, attended City Hall’s annual Remembrance Service today. The service was held to honor those who lost their lives in world wars and other conflicts, and this year marked the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings.

Assembly Members, representatives from the Armed Forces Community, faith leaders, and special guests were among those present at the ceremony. The Rt Revd Lynne Cullens, Bishop of Barking, officiated and delivered the opening address. Faith leaders from Sikh, Hindu, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities contributed readings, prayers, and hymns, enriching the service with diverse traditions. Music was performed by the London International Gospel Choir.

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of D Day, an exhibition showcasing photographic portraits of 16 Normandy veterans is on display in London’s Living Room. This exhibition, presented by Blind Veterans UK in collaboration with award-winning photographer Richard Cannon, was previously featured at the National Army Museum. WWII artefacts from the London Docklands Museum are also part of the display.

The wreath-laying ceremony included participation from senior representatives of various organizations, such as the Metropolitan Police Service, Greater London Lieutenancy, Transport for London, London Fire Brigade, London Ambulance Service, British Red Cross, London Assembly, Royal British Legion, Armed Forces, and St John Ambulance.

The service was attended by London borough mayors and leaders, ambassadors, armed forces representatives and cadets, as well as Assembly Members and Greater London Authority staff, reflecting the city’s unity in remembrance and gratitude for the sacrifices made by so many.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “City Hall’s annual Remembrance Day service gives us an important opportunity to reflect on the courage, dedication and bravery of our Armed Forces. As we mark the momentous 80th anniversary of D Day we commemorate and honour all the servicemen and women from the UK and Commonwealth who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. London would not be the great city it is today were it not for their selfless efforts. We will forever be in their debt.”

Chair of the London Assembly, Andrew Boff AM, said: “I am extremely grateful to have been able to stand alongside members of the Armed Forces community, faith leaders, colleagues, and many others to pay our respects to those who sacrificed their lives to protect our safety, our values, and our freedoms.

 “Now 80 years on from the D-Day landings, today’s Remembrance Service reminds us of the many otherwise ordinary people who fought with extraordinary courage in the World Wars, and of the continued bravery of all those serving in our Armed Forces today.

“Our thoughts today are with our serving Armed Forces personnel and their families, and with all those who have lost homes, friends, family members and communities to war.” Photo by U.S. Embassy London, Wikimedia commons.